Monolithic, double-ball hitch

ABSTRACT

A hitch for presenting different sized ball hitches for towing use. The hitch may include a first ball and pedestal extending in a first direction. A second ball and pedestal may extend in a second direction, distinct from the first direction. The first ball and pedestal and the second ball and pedestal may be homogenously formed of a single material to form a monolith. A stem may connect to the monolith to support and present the first ball and pedestal and the second ball and pedestal for towing use. The stem may extend away from the monolith in a third direction, distinct from both the first and second directions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/268,746, filed on Feb. 14, 2001 and entitled Pivoting UnderslungStowaway Hitch Mount.

BACKGROUND

1. The Field of the Invention

This invention relates to towing apparatus, and, more particularly, tonovel systems and methods for securing trailers to towing vehicles withhitches.

2. The Background Art

Trailers have been towed since the earliest days of the wheel. A cart orwagon towed behind an animal is a trailer. In modern times, trailers aresecured to towing vehicles by a multiplicity of methods, includingframe-mounted hitches and bumper-mounted hitches. Tractor-trailer rigsuse fifth-wheel towing systems. Similarly, recreational vehiclessometimes use fifth-wheel towing systems or often a receiver-typemounted ball hitch.

A receiver hitch relies on a receiver cavity or tube securely mounted tothe frame of a towing vehicle. The receiver is reinforced and providedwith an aperture for receiving a trunnion. A trunnion, supporting ahitch, may be secured into the receiver. The hitch may be a pin, pintle,or ball type hitch, typically, but need not be limited thereto.

For recreational users, receiver-type hitches present several commonproblems. The more important problem may be the difficulty of attachinga greasy hitch to a vehicle and detaching the same after use. Althoughreceiver-type hitches are generally adaptable to receive varioustrunnions with various types of hitches, the very nature of a receiverhitch may make it problematic. If a trunnion is not removed after use,then a person may accidentally strike a shin or knee on the extendinghitch or trunnion when no towed vehicle is attached. If the hitch isremoved, it is cumbersome to move, requires some immediate storageplace, and may be filthy with grease. Due to the weight of the hitch andtrunnion assembly, a person removing the trunnion and hitch from areceiver is likely to soil clothing.

Thus, it would be an advance in the art to provide a hitch mount thatcan be stowed without projecting inconveniently far from the bumper,substantially within the envelope of a vehicle, or even withoutextending behind the bumper on certain embodiments.

Any towed devices require one of several, common, different sizes ofball hitches. Accordingly, selective stowage and presentation ofmultiple sizes of ball hitches on a single mount, alone or incombination, without having to use a tool to replace the ball hitch,would be a benefit and convenience.

One may desire that the sizes and ratings of two ball hitches to be usedtogether be different, yet that each ball hitch be adequately supported,with reasonably balanced support of loading in all portions or regionsthereof (e.g. neck, ball, stud, etc.). Accordingly, it would be anadvance in the art to provide a method for designing a ball hitch, or aset of ball hitches that could accommodate the load and geometricconsiderations that both balls will need to function at full, ratedload, and all expected conditions.

BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, a system in accordance with the presentinvention provides a monolithic double-ball hitch for supporting fullcapacity load ratings according to the size of ball selected. Such asystem also provides interchanging ball hitches of different sizes withminimal effort.

Consistent with the foregoing, and in accordance with the invention asembodied and broadly described herein, an apparatus is disclosed, insuitable detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make anduse the invention. In certain embodiments an apparatus in accordancewith the present invention may provide a hitch for presenting differentsized ball hitches for towing use. The hitch may include a first ballhitch extending in a first direction. A second ball hitch may extend ina second direction, distinct from the first direction.

The first ball hitch and the second ball hitch may be homogeneouslyformed of a single material to form a monolith. A stem may connect tothe monolith to support and selectively present the first ball hitch andthe second ball hitch for towing use. The stem may extend away from themonolith in a third direction, distinct from both the first and seconddirections.

The stem may engage any suitable hitch mount, including stowable hitchmounts. Additionally, the stem of a monolithic, double-ball hitch maysecure to, or provide, a trunnion for securing the hitch to a receiversecured to the undercarriage of a vehicle. A trunnion in accordance withthe present invention may have any suitable cross-section and may haveapertures formed therein to provide multiple securement locationsbetween the trunnion and the receiver.

If desired, a detent mechanism may facilitate position of parts movingwith respect to one another. In certain embodiments, a detent mechanismmay facilitate position of a trunnion within a receiver. Additionally,dampers may be applied to a trunnion to reduce chatter and vibrationsbetween a trunnion and a corresponding receiver. Moreover, many usefulcomponents may be secured to a trunnion. For example, a holder, such asa flagpole standard may secure to a trunnion to provide securement tovehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present inventionwill become more fully apparent from the following description andappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the invention will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a monolithic, double-ball hitch andspindle in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of a stowable hitchutilizing the monolithic, double-ball of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a monolithic, double-ball hitch securedto a trunnion in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a trunnion forengaging a double-ball hitch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a trunnionfor engaging a double-ball hitch in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cylindrical trunnionengaged to a double-ball hitch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a receiver hitch, connected to avehicle undercarriage, housing a trunnion and double-ball hitch in adeployed position in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the receiver hitch of FIG. 7housing a trunnion and double-ball hitch in a stowed position inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rectangular trunnionin accordance with the present invention supporting a base plate forfastening a hitch mechanism thereto;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional, elevational view of one embodiment of atrunnion, having either a rectangular or right circular cylindricalcross-section in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a trunnion ofcircular cross-section mounted with a receiver of rectangularcross-section;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a trunnion having acylindrical cross-section, mounted with a matching trunnion having acircular cross-section;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, side elevational view of one embodiment ofa trunnion and base plate, illustrating application of a resilient,silencing collar in accordance with certain aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a receiver and trunnion, with a baseplate for a hitch, illustrating the use of a silencing member;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a trunnion supportinga stand in a configuration suitable for mounting to a receiver of arecreational vehicle; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trunnion tiltablysupporting a stand in a configuration suitable for mounting to areceiver of a recreational vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentinvention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein,may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the system and method of the present invention, asrepresented in FIGS. 1 through 16, is not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention. The scope of the invention is as broad as claimed herein.The illustrations are merely representative of certain, presentlypreferred embodiments of the invention. Those presently preferredembodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to thedrawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will, of course, appreciate thatvarious modifications to the details of the figures may easily be madewithout departing from the essential characteristics of the invention.Thus, the following description of the figures is intended only by wayof example and simply illustrates certain presently preferredembodiments consistent with the invention as claimed.

Referring to FIG. 1, a hitch 10 in accordance with the present inventionmay be configured to include two balls 12 a, 12 b homogenously formed ofa single material. Each ball 12 a, 12 b may be supported by acorresponding neck 14 a, 14 b or pedestal 14 a, 14 b. An intermediateportion 16 may connect one pedestal 14 a to the other pedestal 14 b.

The geometry of the balls 12 and pedestals 14 may be selected tofacilitate engagement with a suitable ball socket as would be secured tothe vehicle to be towed. In certain embodiments, the diameter 17 a ofone ball 12 a may be different from the diameter 17 b of the other ball12 b. The diameters 17 a, 17 b may be selected to correspond to adesired common size of ball sockets found on vehicles to be towed.

The balls 12, pedestals 14, and intermediate portion 16 may be formed ofany suitable material. Such a material may be selected for high yieldstrength. Suitable materials may include a metal or metal alloy. Inselected embodiments, the balls 12, pedestals 14, and intermediateportion 16 may be formed of a single, homogeneous, monolith of cast,fabricated, or forged steel.

In certain embodiments, a stem 18 may extend from the intermediateportion 16. The stem 18 may be homogeneously formed with theintermediate portion 16, or may be secured by another suitable method.For example, the stem 18 may be threaded, pinned, welded, riveted, orthe like into the intermediate portion 16 to form an integrated, rigidunit. Additionally, the stem 18 may be formed as a single, homogeneous,monolith with the balls 12, pedestals 14, and intermediate portion 16.Similar to the balls 12, pedestals 14, and intermediate portion 16, astem 18 may be constructed of any suitable material having the requiredyield strength, ductility, and the like.

The dimensions of the intermediate portion 16 and the stem 18 may beselected to provide a desired load-bearing capacity. The type ofinterface between the intermediate portion 16 and the stem 18 may alsoaffect the dimensions. For example, when the stem 18 is threaded intothe intermediate portion 16, the intermediate portion 16 may need to belarger to compensate for the aperture and the weakening resultingtherefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a stem 18 in accordance with the presentinvention may be configured to engage various structures. These variousstructures may include the undercarriage of a vehicle, a receivermounted to the frame, undercarriage, or bumper of a vehicle, or thelike. The stem 18 may be configured to provide a rigid engagement.

In other embodiments, the stem 18 may be configured to rotatably secureto a corresponding structure. For example, the stem 18 may have ashoulder 20 and a shaft 22 or spindle 22. A retainer 24 may provide amethod for retaining the spindle 22 in place. A lock 26 may maintain thespindle 22 at a desired degree of location. In one embodiment, the lock26 may simply consist of first and second locking apertures 28, 30.

In certain embodiments, a hitch 10 in accordance with the presentinvention may be applied to a stowable hitch system 32. Such a hitchsystem 32 may include a trunnion 34 sized to fit within a receiversecured to the undercarriage of a vehicle. An aperture 35 may be formedin the trunnion 34 to provide a method for pinning and securing thetrunnion 34 within the receiver.

A base 36 may be secured to the trunnion 34. A mount 38 may pivotablyengage the base 36. A pivoting system 40 may provide the pivoting motionbetween the mount 38 and base 36 as well as provide for a lock forpreventing such motion. In certain embodiments, the mount 38 may consistof a first flange 42 and a second flange 44 securing a platform 46therebetween. Such a stowable hitch 32 is described in greater detail inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/699,279 filed on Oct. 26, 2000,entitled Pivoting, Underslung, Stowaway, Hitch Mount, incorporatedherein by reference.

A stem 18 in accordance with the present invention may rotatably engagethe platform 46 of a stowable hitch 32. The platform 46 may have anaperture 50 formed therein to admit the spindle 22. The retainer 24 mayhave a groove for admitting a keeper 52, such as a retaining ring 52.The retainer 24, retaining ring 52, and shoulder 20 may combine toresist longitudinal motion between the spindle 22 and the platform 46.

Any suitable lock 26 may be applied to rotationally secure the spindle22 with respect to the platform 46. In one embodiment, a lock 26 maycomprise first and second locking apertures 54 and 56 extendinglaterally though the flanges 42, 44 and the platform 46. These first andsecond locking apertures 54 and 56 may correspond to the first andsecond locking apertures 28 and 30 in the spindle, depending on thespindle's orientation within the platform 46.

For example, when the hitch 10 is in a horizontal position (as shown inFIG. 2), the second locking apertures 30, 56 align and a pin 58 may beinserted therethrough to prevent rotation or translation between thespindle 22 and platform 46. Similarly, when the hitch 10 is in avertical position, the first locking apertures 28, 54 align and a pin 58may be inserted therethrough to prevent rotation or translation betweenthe spindle 22 and platform 46.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, alternative embodiments of a hitch 10 inaccordance with the present invention may provide various connectionsbetween a stem 18 and an intermediate portion 16. For example, a stem 18may secure to an intermediate portion 16 by any suitable means includingthreading, welding, bolting, monolithically forming, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 3, a stem 18 may be formed with, or attached directlyto, a trunnion 34. A trunnion 34 in accordance with the presentinvention may be of either tubular or solid material. The strengthrequirements of the trunnion 34 may determine whether or not thetrunnion 34 needs be solid to withstand larger loads. If necessary, thestem 18 may have a taper 60 or shaft 60, thus compensating for thedifferences in size between the intermediate portion 16 and the trunnion34. Accordingly, the taper 60 (e.g. shaft 60) may provide for rotationof the intermediate portion 16 with respect thereto. If the intermediateportion 16 rotates with respect to the shaft 60, then the trunnion 34need not be removed from the receiver secured to a vehicle in order torotate between the balls 12 a, 12 b. Alternatively, if the shaft 60 isfixed with respect to the intermediate portion 16, then the trunnion 34may be rotated to serve as the selector mechanism to select between theballs 12 a, 12 b.

Referring to FIG. 4, a trunnion 34 may include a shaft 60 having threads62 formed thereon. The threads 62 may be fabricated to properly secureto the intermediate portion 16 of a hitch 10. Care should be taken insuch an embodiment to ensure that orientation and alignment are properbetween the intermediate portion 16 and the trunnion 12, in order thatproper operation may result.

For example, in certain embodiments, a safety mechanism such as alocking pin may be inserted through both the intermediate portion 16 andthe shaft 60 to ensure that once the intermediate portion 16 and theshaft 60 have been threaded together, they are locked in place andcannot inadvertently loosen or unscrew.

Referring to FIG. 5, a stem 18 may have threads 62 along a portion orall of the length thereof. A fastener 64 may engage the threads, thusproviding a barrier to resist separation between the intermediateportion 16 and the stem 18. Various geometries, including keyedgeometries or registration elements may orient the intermediate portion16 with respect to the stem 18 to assure proper orientation of the hitch10 with respect to the trunnion 34. If desired, the unthreaded portionof the stem 18 may be keyed to engage the intermediate portion 16 andprevent rotation therebetween. A safety mechanism, such as a lockingpin, may secure to the thread 62 or to an aperture 66 in the stem 18 toresist inadvertent loosening of the fastener 64.

Referring to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, a trunnion 34 may securedirectly to the intermediate portion 16. In essence, the trunnion 34becomes the stem 18. The trunnion 34 may have any suitablecross-section. In selected embodiments, the trunnion 34 has acylindrical shape. The trunnion 34 may be secured to the intermediateportion 16 by any suitable method, as discussed hereinabove, such as bywelding, homogenous forging, or the like. Locking apertures 28, 30 inthe trunnion 34 may serve to register the trunnion 34 with respect tothe receiver, thus maneuvering the hitch 10 between two positions ororientations, a vertical, deployed position, and another horizontalstowed position.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a receiver 68 with a reinforced opening,which may include a reinforcing collar 70, may be secured to theundercarriage 72 or frame 72 of a vehicle. Typically, such a vehicleincludes a bumper 74. As discussed hereinabove, a trunnion 34 may serveto register the trunnion 34 with respect to the receiver 68, thus,maneuvering the hitch 10 between a vertical deployed position 76, and adistinct horizontal stowed position 78.

For example, an aperture 75 may be formed in the receiver 68 forreceiving a locking pin. Corresponding apertures 28, 30 may be formed inthe trunnion 34. When apertures 28 and 75 are aligned, a locking pin maybe inserted to lock the trunnion 34 and hitch 10 in an extended,deployed, vertical position 76. When apertures 30 and 75 are aligned, alocking pin may be inserted to lock the trunnion 34 and hitch 10 in aretracted, stowed, horizontal position 78.

The transition from the deployed position 76 to the stowed position 78and vice versa may depend on the cross-sectional shape of the trunnion34. For example, if the cross-section of the trunnion 34 is circular,once the locking pin is removed from the locking aperture 75, thetrunnion may be rotated about, and translate along, the longitudinalaxis 11 a until the new position is acquired and the locking pin may bereinserted. If the trunnion 34 has a square or other non-circularcross-section, then the trunnion 34 would have to be completely removedfrom the receiver 68, rotated the desired amount, reinserted into thereceiver 34, and then translated until the proper location is achievedwhere the locking pin can be reinserted through the locking aperture 75and corresponding trunnion 34, and aperture 28, 30.

Referring to FIG. 9, in certain embodiments, a trunnion 34 may bereceived into a receiver 68 of rectangular cross-section. The receiver68 may be reinforced by a reinforcing collar 70 adding additionalstrength against or resistance to fracture from the high stress at theopening. An aperture 35 may receive a pin 80 or suitable lockingmechanism for securing the trunnion 34 in the receiver 68 and fororienting the trunnion 34 with respect to the receiver 68. The pin 80itself may receive a lynch pin 82 in an aperture 84 therethrough toresist inadvertent removal. Any type of suitable base 36 may be securedto the trunnion 34. The trunnion 34 may be solid or tubular instructure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the illustrated embodiment has a receiver 68,reinforced by a reinforcing collar 70, to receive a trunnion 34supporting a base 36 configured to connect to or otherwise support ahitch 10. A pin 80 through corresponding locking apertures 35, 75 servesto secure the trunnion 34 with respect to the receiver 68. Additionalapertures may be provided in the trunnion 34 to provide a variety oflocations in which the trunnion 34 may be secured with respect to thereceiver 68. In the illustrated embodiment, the pin 80 secures thetrunnion 34 in the receiver 68 against towing loads, as well asorienting the trunnion 34 between positions to which the trunnion 34 maybe rotatably moved in order to selectively deploy and stow a hitch 10connected to the base 36.

In selected embodiments, a detent mechanism 86 may be installed ineither the trunnion 34 or the receiver 68 to interact with the receiver68 or trunnion 34, respectively. For example, the detent mechanism 86may include a stop 88 or several stops 88. The stops 88 may be motivatedby a biasing member 90. The stops 88 and biasing member 90 may bemaintained with a cavity 91 of the selected structure. In theillustrated embodiment this would be the trunnion 34, with a retainer 92or multiple retainers 92.

Thus, the biasing member 90 may act to expel the stops 88 from thecavity 91 to the extent that the stops 88 are limited by the retainers92. The retainer 92 may, however, permit the stops 88 to extend slightlyfrom the cavity 91 in order to engage a nearby structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the nearby structure is the receiver 68.Engagement apertures 94 or relief locations 94 may be formed in thenearby structure 68. When a stop 88 passes thereover, the stop 88engages the relief location 94 and resists further relative motiontherebetween. The latches or detent mechanism 86 may be configured toresist rotation, translation, or both of the trunnion 34 with respect tothe receiver 68.

The detent mechanisms 86 may be configured to indicate properpositioning of the trunnion 34 with respect to the receiver 68 in alongitudinal direction 11 a upon insertion into the receiver 68.Alternatively, the detent mechanism 86 may indicate a proper rotationalorientation of the trunnion 34 with respect to the receiver 68 byresisting motion at a preselected location. Application of additionalmodest force may dislodge the stops 88 from the relief locations 94permitting rotation or removal of the trunnion 34 or other moving part.

In several of the embodiments described hereinabove, various membersrotate with respect to other members. In any of the foregoing devices, adetent mechanism 86 may be used to orient or restrain a rotating memberwith respect to another member.

Referring to FIG. 11, a trunnion 34 and receiver 68 may both berectangular. However, in an alternative embodiment, a cylindricaltrunnion 34 may be contained within a rectangular receiver 68 or viceversa. As discussed hereinabove, a reinforcing collar 70 may protect thereceiver 68 against fracture at locations of high stress. A pin 80 maysecure the trunnion 34 to the receiver 68 through the apertures 75, 35.A lynch pin 82 through an aperture 84 in pin 80 may secure the pin 80against accidental removal from the trunnion 68. If the cross-section ofthe receiver 68 is square, then the trunnion 34 may, for example, berotated 90°, 120°, 180°, or any other suitable angle in the receiver 68between various deployed and stowed positions of hitches 10 connected tothe base 36.

Referring to FIG. 12, a trunnion 34 may be circular or rectangular incross-section. Accordingly, the receiver 68 may be of a correspondingrectangular or circular cross-section as described hereinabove. Incertain embodiments, a cylindrical trunnion 34 may be received into areceiver 68 of circular cross-section or vice versa. As discussedhereinabove, a cylindrical trunnion 34 may provide transition betweenpositions 76, 78 without necessitating removal of the trunnion 34 fromthe receiver 68. Multiple apertures 28, 30 may be provided in thetrunnion 34 to provide multiple alignments with the locking aperture 75,thus generating multiple positions of the base 36 or the hitch 10 inother embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, a trunnion 34, regardless of cross-section, istypically constructed to have a manufacturing tolerance with respect tothe receiver 68. Accordingly, larger tolerances provide an easierassembly of the trunnion 34 in the receiver 68. Nevertheless, whatevertolerance may be created in manufacture is increased with wear. Thesetolerances permit vibrations to resonate between the trunnion 34 andreceiver 68 resulting in unwanted noise, wear, and the like.

In certain embodiments in accordance with the present invention, adamper or sleeve 96 may be installed between a receiver 68 and a base 36configured to support a hitch. A polymeric material, such as anelastomeric composition, may have an appropriate resilience andstiffness for selective compression between the trunnion 34 orreinforcing collar 70 and the base 36.

Various sleeves 96 a. 96 b. 96 c. may fit variations in thecross-section of the trunnion 34. Moreover, since various manufacturersmay provide different lengths of trunnions 34 extending between thereinforcing collar 70 and the base 36, more than one damper or sleeve 96b may fit between the receiver 68 and the base 36. Meanwhile, arectangular damper or sleeve 96 a or a circular damper or sleeve 96 cmay be used according to the particular cross-section of the trunnion34.

Referring to FIG. 14, a damper or sleeve 96 may be installed between abase 36 and a receiver 68 to provide a force resisting compression.Accordingly, positioning the base 36 in close proximity to the receiver68 causes a certain amount of compression in the damper 96, biasing theposition of the trunnion 34 and loading it with respect to the receiver68. Accordingly, the trunnion 34 is not free to chatter within the way97 or interior 97 of the receiver 68. The damper 96 may apply forces inmultiple directions. Moreover, a damper 96 manufactured of a suitableelastomeric material may damp vibrations in multiple dimensions.

Referring to FIG. 15, in selected embodiments, a trunnion 34 may supporta standard 98 configured to support a device, such as, for example, aflagpole. A flagpole or other standard 98 may comprise a tube 100 toreceive a device, such as a flagpole. The flagpole may extendtherethrough and be supported in a transverse direction 11 c by theground therebelow. The location of the trunnion 34, in a receiver 68spaced above the ground, provides a greater bearing distance than iscommonly available in standards of other configurations. Accordingly,moment loadings on the standard may be reduced. However, if desired, thetube 100 may have a bottom, placed therein to support the device (e.g.flagpole) in the transverse direction 11 c rather than relying on theground. The tube 100 may be supported by a bracket 102. The bracket 102may, in turn, be supported by the trunnion 34.

In certain embodiments, the standard 98 may be manufactured of anextruded material. Aluminum may serve well for the standard 98.Similarly, the trunnion 34 may be fabricated of aluminum for ease infabrication. Since the standard 98 need not sustain the same loads asmay a hitch 10, lighter materials, such as aluminum, or metals oflighter gauges may serve as the standard 98 and trunnion 34. The bracket102 may be secured to the trunnion 34 by welding, bolting, or by anyother suitable method.

Referring to FIG. 16, the tube 100 of a standard 98 may selectively tiltto better display the flag supported thereby. In certain embodiments, atiltable flagpole standard 98 may have a pivot 106 connecting the tube100 to the bracket 102. A securement pin 108 may extend from the tube100 and slide within the confines of a corresponding groove 110. Afastener may engage the securement pin 106 and secure the bracket 102 ata desired angle of tilt with respect to the tube 100.

From the above discussion, it will be appreciated that the presentinvention provides a monolithic, double-ball hitch with a stem. The stemmay engage any suitable hitch mount, including stowable hitch mounts.Additionally, the stem of a monolithic, double-ball hitch may secure toor provide a trunnion for securing the hitch to a receiver secured tothe frame or undercarriage of a vehicle.

A trunnion in accordance with the present invention may have anysuitable cross-section and may have apertures formed therein to providemultiple securement locations between the trunnion and the receiver. Ifdesired, a detent mechanism may facilitate positioning of parts movingwith respect to one another. Additionally, dampers may be applied to atrunnion to reduce chatter (relative movement to and fro) and vibrationbetween a trunnion and a corresponding receiver. Moreover, many usefulcomponents may be secured to a trunnion. For example, a flagpolestandard or the like may be secured to a trunnion to provide securementof a device, such as a flagpole, to a vehicle.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its structures, methods, or other essentialcharacteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is,therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by theforegoing description. All changes within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An apparatus comprising: a base having a supporting portion toconnect to a vehicle; a mount, positionable with respect to the basebetween a stowed position wherein the mount is juxtaposed adjacent thesupporting portion of the base on a first side of the base and adeployed position wherein the mount extends from the base on a secondside thereof; a a first locking structure located and configured toselectively maintain the mount in one of the stowed position and thedeployed position; a hitch coupled with the mount, the hitch including afirst ball extending in a first direction, and at least a second ballextending in a second direction, distinct from the first directionwherein the first ball and the second ball are formed together as ahomogeneous monolith of a single material; and a second lockingstructure located and configured to selectively maintain the hitch at aselected one of a plurality of positions with respect to the mount. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stem extending from thehitch in a third direction, distinct from both the first and seconddirections, to support the hitch relative to the mount.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the first direction and the second direction aresubstantially collinear and extend substantially opposite one another.4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stem is rotatable with respectto the hitch.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the stem is formedhomogeneously with the hitch.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein thestem is substantially cylindrical in shape.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6,wherein the stem is rotatably coupled with the mount.
 8. The apparatusof claim 2, wherein the stem is coupled to the hitch by an interfaceselected from the group consisting of threading, welding, bolting,swaging, riveting, and pinning.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2, furthercomprising a pedestal formed between the first ball and the at least asecond ball, and wherein the stem is secured in fixed relation withrespect to the pedestal.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstball exhibits a first diameter and wherein the second ball exhibits asecond diameter different from the first diameter.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first locking structure further comprises at leasta first pin sized and configured for insertion through at least a firstaperture formed in the mount and through at least one aperture formed inthe base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second lockingstructure further comprises at least a first pin sized and configuredfor insertion through at least a first aperture formed in the mount andthrough at least a first aperture formed in the hitch.
 13. An apparatuscomprising; a trunnion extending in a first direction; a base having afirst end and a second end, secured proximate the first end to thetrunnion; a mount secured to the base and positionable relative theretobetween a first position wherein the mount extends from the base, and atleast a second position substantially half a revolution from the firstposition wherein the mount is juxtaposed adjacent the trunnion; afastener engaging the mount to selectively position the mount withrespect to the base in the first position and in the at least a secondposition; and a hitch coupled with the mount, the hitch including afirst ball extending in a first direction, and at least a second ballextending in a second direction, wherein the first ball and the at leasta second ball are formed together as a homogeneous monolith of a singlematerial.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the hitch furtherincludes an intermediate portion formed between the first ball and theat least a second ball, a first neck portion transitioning from theintermediate portion to the first ball and a second neck portiontransitioning from the intermediate portion to the at least a secondball.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least a second ballis substantially spherical and solid across a diameter thereof.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 15, wherein the first ball, the at least a secondball and the intermediate portion are substantially collinear.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the intermediate portion is substantiallycylindrical.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a stemcoupled to the intermediate portion of the hitch and the mount.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, further comprising a fastener located andconfigured for selectively positioning the hitch relative to the mount.20. An apparatus comprising: a trunnion; a base secured to the trunnion;a mount securable to the base at a first position wherein the mount isjuxtaposed adjacent the trunnion, and at least a second position whereinthe mount extends from the base in a second direction substantiallydirectionally opposite the first direction; a securing structurecooperative with the mount to selectively position the mount withrespect to the base in the first position and in the at least a secondposition; and a hitch coupled with the mount, the hitch including afirst ball and at least a second ball, wherein the first ball and the atleast a second ball are formed together as a homogeneous monolith of asingle material.